of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Tennessee. “With limited funding and resources available to individual organizations, it makes sense not to reinvent or duplicate our efforts but to collaborate and make money, staff and volunteer work go further.” Grace partnered with both Ridgeview and the
NAMI-Oak Ridge chapter to host a film screening during Mental Health Awareness Month last year.
Mind and spirit Marrow said the greatest worth comes when people aren’t stigmatized but find reassurance instead. Stephen Herbes, a grief counselor who has
been a presenter for Grace’s mental health ministry programs, agrees: “Because of the prominent and respected niche churches occupy, a program like Grace’s, by enabling frank and open conversation in a community, goes a long way toward reducing stigma still often associated with mental health issues.” Grace’s mental health ministry has continued
Grace’s mental health ministry has hosted programs on art therapy, yoga, caregiver support and more.
Photos: Stanley Long
to grow. They organize and host a candle-lighting service during Mental Illness Awareness Week in October, and the ministry is working with veterans as a designated Veteran Friendly Congregation (VFC). VFCs represent faith-based initiatives by some
ranges between 20 to 80
participants, an indication to team members—and area mental health professionals—that the ministry
is needed. “When approximately 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health issue in a given year,
according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s imperative for communities to elevate mental health literacy and emphasize early mental health screening, timely care and treatment,” said Michael Yates of Ridgeview Behavioral Services, a recovery-based treatment center in Oak Ridge. “Grace Lutheran is responding to a very impor-
tant call by ensuring opportunities throughout the year for the public to learn about mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.” Another benefit is the opportunity to ask
questions of practitioners outside a clinical setting. “Networking and collaborations between the
various presenters, the attendees and with Grace were an unexpected blessing and side effect of the gatherings,” said Leslie El-Sayad, president
Sharon Boudreaux is a freelance writer living in east Tennessee.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE •
LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG 31
veterans’ organizations, including the Military Chaplains Association. The congregations agree to promote awareness of veterans’ concerns; provide a welcoming environment for veterans and their families; and connect those in need with resources. For Nancy Munro, council vice president at
Grace, the ministry benefits not only the mental health of the congregation but its overall health as well. “The ministry has helped members connect with and support one another,” she said. “It’s been uplifting for a congregation increasingly concerned about a downward drift in attendance and younger members over the past decade.” But for Cummings, the best reason for Grace
to extend its ministry to those with mental health issues is found in Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.”
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